When Grace Foundation Whanganui closed in September, Craig Kara didn’t see it as an ending; instead, he saw it as an opportunity to create something new.

Drawing on the skills and knowledge he gained through the Manaaki Tāngata programme at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Craig is on a mission to launch his own kaupapa to fill the gap. Te Ara Kimihia, which represents seeking the right pathway, is dedicated to supporting tāne in finding the right path for their future.

“I held a leadership role at Grace Foundation before it closed, that’s why I chose to study Manaaki Tāngata, to better myself and my leadership. But I also found my purpose and passion this year, to help tāne and people like me,” he says.

Throughout his life, Craig has battled with addiction which has led to some tough challenges and mistakes that he has had to learn and grow from.

Studying Manaaki Tāngata gave Craig the opportunity to rethink and reposition his past, transforming discomfort into growth, and giving him the drive to help others who are facing similar struggles.

“The programme has been amazing. It’s deconstructed me and reconstructed me. I’m a living testament of what can happen when you have the right support around you. Now I want to provide that sort of service and support for other men as well.”

With the support of Grace Foundation, Te Ara Kimihia is in the early stages of development, but Craig is determined to have it registered as a charity and serving the community.

Craig also plans to continue his studies with the goal of earning a PhD, driven by his belief that education is a powerful way of transforming whānau and communities.

“Studying Manaaki Tāngata far exceeded my expectations. If you want to develop a new and better version of yourself then this programme is for you. I didn’t just learn how to connect with others and regulate my emotions, it was a healing journey too.”

Find out more about our Social Services programmes.